address, president obama is calling on congress to work together on a balanced approach to reduceth deficit and promoting economic growth. >> what we need instead is a balanced approach. an approach that says let's cut where we can afford but let's make the investments we can't afford to live without. investments in education and infrastructure, research and development. the things that will help america compete for the best jobs and new industries. >> the president said the economy is poised to expand this year after 2.2 million jobs were created last year. republicans say this is the chance for congress to begin balancing our nation's checkbook. jump starting the economy and restoring faith in our government. >>> energy secretary steven chu is stepping down. the former head of the lawrence berkeley national lab drew a lot of political fire during his tenure on the president's cab net. but as abc7 news political reporter mark matthew notes, khu also drew a lot of talent to the department as he worked to reshape its mission. >> at the white house, president obama publicly thank the steven c